Malda Election Controversy: 8.3 Lakh Voters Under Adjudication Sparks Boycott Call
In a significant development in West Bengal's political landscape, the electoral rolls published on Saturday have placed a staggering 8.3 lakh voters in Malda district under the "under adjudication" category. This has triggered a major controversy, with former MP Mausam Noor writing to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, urging him to boycott the upcoming assembly election if it is conducted based on the current list.
Noor's Strong Stance and Movement Announcement
Mausam Noor stated on Wednesday, "We have informed Rahul Gandhi as well as our Pradesh Congress Committee leadership to boycott the election if it is held on the basis of this electoral roll. However, we were told that it is too early to take such a decisive step. Instead, we are launching a movement against this list starting March 5."
Noor, who rejoined the Congress from the Trinamool Congress in January, has provided a significant boost to the party, which failed to win a single seat in Malda during the 2021 assembly elections. Notably, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress secured victory from Malda South. This time, the party has decided to contest the state polls independently.
Allegations of Targeting Minority Communities
Blaming both the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, Noor alleged that they are conspiring to keep the Congress away from the electoral fray. She specifically claimed that minority communities are being targeted through this electoral roll manipulation.
"The voters, particularly Muslims, were victimized through no fault of their own. The state has a long secular tradition, but BJP and TMC are now engaging in divisive politics," Noor emphasized.
Disproportionate Impact in Congress Strongholds
The data reveals alarming proportions of voters under adjudication in traditional Congress bastions:
- Sujapur: 53.6% of voters (1.3 lakh out of 2.5 lakh)
- Mothabari: 40.6% of voters
- Malatipur: 40.9% of voters
- Harishchandrapur: 36.4% of voters
These figures suggest a systematic pattern affecting areas where Congress has historically enjoyed strong support.
Congress Leadership's Response and Electoral Context
MP Isha Khan Choudhury echoed Noor's concerns, stating, "If this list remains unchanged, there is no point in contesting the elections. Our leader Rahul Gandhi has been highlighting the 'vote-chori' (vote theft) issue for a long time. This list in Bengal, published by the Election Commission, is clear proof of this malpractice."
The controversy comes at a crucial juncture as West Bengal prepares for assembly elections. The Congress party's decision to contest alone adds another layer of complexity to the political dynamics in the state, particularly in districts like Malda where electoral integrity is now under intense scrutiny.
The movement announced by Noor starting March 5 is expected to mobilize public opinion and put pressure on electoral authorities to address these concerns before the election process moves forward.
